People say it takes a village to raise a child, and we couldn’t agree more. Having a newborn can be joyous and intimidating at the same time.
This is particularly a challenging time for new mums who are not only learning to be a mother, but are also in the postpartum recovery process. So concerns and self-doubt are a part and parcel of motherhood.
As a parent, you’re constantly thinking about how to keep your little one safe and healthy. Even something as routine as a baby bath requires extra attention. After all, newborns are so delicate and need gentle care, particularly when it comes to their baby skincare.
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
You don’t need to bathe your baby every day. Two to three times a week is usually enough for newborns, especially if you’re cleaning their face, neck folds, and diaper area regularly during changes.
If your baby enjoys bath time, it’s perfectly fine to make it a daily ritual. Just be mindful that frequent bathing can dry out your baby’s skin. Always follow up with a gentle, hydrating baby moisturiser like Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula, which is clinically proven to keep skin soft and hydrated for 24 hours.
When Should You Give Your Baby A Sponge Bath?
It’s always best to give a sponge bath with a warm or damp cloth in the first week of your baby’s life. This is better than total water immersion.
“In general, it is recommended for newborns to take sponge baths – up to the point the umbilical cord stump falls off – or tub baths at a frequency of two to three times weekly,” said Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic.
Use a soft cloth and warm water to gently cleanse your baby’s face, hands, neck, and diaper area. Once the umbilical stump is fully healed, you can you can transition to gentle tub baths in a small baby tub or a clean sink.
Baby Bath Tips For New Parents
Image courtesy: iStock
1. Prepare the bath essentials before doing the actual bath
Before you even start, make sure your baby bath station is ready. This avoids the need to step away—even for a second. Here’s a bath checklist to help you stay prepared and stress-free:
What to prepare for baby’s bath:
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Baby wash or cleanser – Choose a gentle, dermatologist-tested option like Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula, which is tear-free and has a pH-balanced formula that gently cleanses while locking in moisture.
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Baby moisturiser – Keep skin soft post-bath with Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula. It absorbs quickly and soothes sensitive skin.
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Soft washcloths – Use one for cleaning and one for rinsing.
- Cotton pads – Use one for each eye.
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Fresh towel – Preferably hooded to keep your baby warm.
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Clean diaper & change of clothes – Have everything laid out before you start.
Setting up the water:
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Fill the baby tub or sink with just a few inches of lukewarm water (around 37°C to 38°C or 98.6°F to 100.4°F).
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Always test the temperature using your inner wrist or elbow—it should feel warm, not hot.
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Turn off the tap before placing the baby in the tub to avoid sudden temperature changes or burns. Never bathe your baby under running water or with a sprayer.
With everything prepped and in place, you can focus on making bath time a safe, calming, and joyful experience for both you and your baby.
2. Never leave your baby unattended
Make sure that you don’t keep your baby unattended in water. It can be extremely dangerous for the newborn.
For instance, if you are bathing your baby and are home alone. You have someone at the door or a phone ringing. Don’t leave your baby alone in the bathroom and step away. If it’s urgent, take your baby along with you and leave the bathroom.
Ideally, try and organise the baby’s bath time when you have some help or another member at home. This will surely ease such worries.
3. Support Your Baby with Care
Handling a wet, soapy, slippery newborn needs to be done with extreme care. It takes a lot of practice and confidence. So don’t take stress and freak out when that tiny doll is in your arms.
Stay calm and always maintain a good grip. It is just a matter of time, and you will soon get the hang of it. Bathing time can actually be great fun and a bonding time between you and your baby. So make the most of it.
4. Avoid running water directly on your baby and use a small tub
Image courtesy: iStock
If you’re bathing your newborn in a sink or baby tub, never place them under a running faucet or use a handheld sprayer. Water temperature from the tap can fluctuate suddenly, increasing the risk of scalding or discomfort.
Instead, fill the tub with lukewarm water first—around 37°C to 38°C (98.6°F to 100.4°F)—and always test it with your elbow or inner wrist. Only place your baby in the water once you’re sure it’s safe and steady.
5. Be gentle, don’t scrub
When it comes to bathing your newborn, remember: gentle is the way to go! Avoid scrubbing their delicate skin too hard.
“Excessive rubbing or scrubbing, along with harsh soaps or lotions, should be avoided as this may exacerbate the severity of the (baby) acne and rashes,” said Dr Lee.
Use your hand or a soft washcloth and a mild cleanser like Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula—formulated to gently cleanse while nourishing the skin.
6. Keep bath time short, and dry immediately
“Bath times should be kept short at around five to ten minutes to prevent stripping the baby’s skin of natural oils, to avoid dryness and irritation,” advised Dr Lee.
Make sure to pat dry your baby immediately after giving them bath. The temperature of the room where you are bathing should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always cover your baby’s head with a fresh dry towel to prevent them from feeling cold. This is very important because babies have very thin hair on their heads and can catch a cold faster.
One of the more important baby bath tips is that you should always start by washing your baby’s body first and then the hair in the end so that the head doesn’t stay wet for too long.
7. Freshen Up With “Top and Tail” Cleansing
You don’t need to wait until the next bath to keep your baby clean and comfortable. Between full baths, you can clean your baby’s face, hands, and diaper area several times a day using the “top and tail” method. Use damp cotton wool or a soft cloth for quick, gentle cleansing. This approach preserves your baby’s skin barrier and keeps them feeling fresh.
Follow up with a moisturiser like Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection Cream with Organic Calendula, which soothes, hydrates, and shields dry or irritated skin for up to 24 hours.
Extra Baby Skincare Tips for Bath Time:
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Always use a soft towel to dry your baby.
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If your baby has eczema, moisturise before and after the bath to protect the skin barrier.
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Always do a patch test with any new baby skincare product.
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Wash your baby’s hair last, so their head doesn’t stay wet for too long.
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Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t love baths at first. Keep it fun by singing or talking softly to help them relax.
Not all babies love bath time from the start. Don’t worry—it’s normal. Smile, talk softly, or sing to keep them calm and make your bath time bonding more enjoyable.
The Cetaphil Baby Skincare Range – Made for Delicate Skin
Looking for a baby skincare routine that’s dermatologist-tested, effective, and ultra-gentle? The Cetaphil Baby with Organic Calendula range has been specially developed to care for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Here’s what’s inside the range:
- Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula
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Absorbs quickly to moisturise baby’s skin for 24 hours
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Formulated with calendula, sweet almond, and sunflower oils
All products are hypoallergenic and pH-balanced for newborn care.
Upgrade Your Baby Bath Routine with a Special Bundle!
For a limited time, get the special bundle for only $39.90 (U.P. $53) at Cetaphil SG TikTok Shop (@cetaphilsg). It contains:
An excellent gift for new mums or a perfect starter kit to elevate your baby’s bath routine.
Buy now at the Cetaphil SG TikTok Shop (@cetaphilsg), Guardian, Watsons, Unity and Fairprice– while stocks last!
More info at www.cetaphil.com.sg/baby-skincare
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
